Illustrator vs Photoshop vs InDesign: What's the Difference?

Adobe’s software suite is the gold standard when it comes to creating or editing graphics. Knowing each applications strengths and weaknesses is key in order to make the most out of the suite.

In some cases, using the wrong software application can result in wasted time (and frustration) when using tools that aren’t as powerful.

In this article, we compare Illustrator vs Photoshop vs InDesign. I will take you through the merits and challenges that come with each application as well as a guide to choosing the best software for your creation.

Illustrator

Originally created in 1987, Illustrator is Adobe’s vector graphic software. Vector graphics, as opposed to raster-based graphics, use paths instead of dots (or pixels) to represent images. The distance between paths is calculated by an algorithm, so if you scale an image up or down, the quality remains the same.

Pros:

Graphics can be scaled up or down without loss in resolution

Multiple, flexible artboards

Object selection

Can place raster or pixel-based images created in photoshop

Cons:

Modifying existing images is quite difficult

Not ideal when creating multipage documents

Photoshop

Photoshop is Adobe’s raster graphic creation and editing software. Raster graphics are based on dots (or pixels) and are easier to modify because you have control over each pixel.

The software is optimized to work with commercial printers. InDesign files are packaged so printers have your fonts and images

Best for creating multi-page documents. You can set up master layouts to easily unify a series of pages and easily and intuitively number pages.

Better equipped to work with large sums of text than Illustrator

Cons:

Its capabilities are limited when it comes to creating vector graphics.

You aren’t able to edit raster-based graphics

What should I use if I’m...

Editing photos

Photoshop is your friend when it comes to editing existing images. The software started off as a retouching application in 1990, and since then it has expanded and updated its toolkit, making it easier than ever to manipulate highlights or shadows, blur blemishes, or color correct.

Wireframing

If you’re designing a user interface or wireframe, Illustrator is handy because you can easily scale and move objects around. The software application also has a library of icons that can be used and modified.

Creating a logo, icon, or brand mascot

When creating branding materials, you will likely want something that looks great blown up on a billboard or business card. Enter Illustrator. Your creations will be vector-based, which ensures that your branding stays looking crisp in every size. The software also offers multiple artboards, allowing you to brainstorm and refine ideas on the same file.

Multi-page documents (brochures, ebooks etc)

While InDesign doesn’t have much capability when it comes to editing or creating individual graphics, its power comes from being able to easily layout and rearrange pages of text and images.

It integrates with Adobe digital publishing solution, allowing you to create interactive ebooks and magazines.

Conclusion

When it comes to Adobe Illustrator vs Photoshop vs InDesign, it’s up to your personal preference. Some say Photoshop is easier to learn, but you’d be wasting your time using it to create a brochure or a logo. Similarly, Illustrator may be the safer bet when it comes to creating graphics of any size, but you lose out on creative filters and tools Photoshop has to offer and the ability to create layouts and templates in InDesign. Finally, what you gain in functionality with InDesign (e.g. layouts, compatibility with raster and vector graphics), you lose in power.

For these reasons, it’s abundantly clear that these software applications were intended to be used together. While you may have a favourite, knowing when and how to use them in conjunction will take your graphic design skills to the next level.

Krystal does all things Marketing at GoSkills. She's a recent Boston University graduate with a B.A. in international relations and a minor in communications. When she's not at work, you can find her listening to podcasts or watching comedy specials on Netflix.

Contact

About

GoSkills - Skills for career advancement

Advance your career with GoSkills! We help you learn essential business skills to reach your full potential.
Learn effectively via bite-sized video tutorials taught by award-winning instructors.Thank you for choosing to learn with us.